Louisville residents can expect heavy rain and wind Friday as remnants of Hurricane Helene move into the area, and some school districts have announced closures and remote learning days in response to the inclement weather.
Hurricane Helene — currently a Category 3 hurricane and anticipated to strengthen — is set to make landfall in the Big Bend region in northwest Florida Thursday evening, with rain expected to begin impacting the metro area Thursday night, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Louisville.
How much rain will Louisville get from Helene?
NWS Louisville meteorologist-in-charge John Gordon said the heaviest rain conjured by the weather system is predicted to kickoff late Friday morning and persist into the evening. Current estimates predict the Louisville area will receive 2.5-4.5 inches of rainfall through Sunday, he said.
Strong gusts of wind at speeds of 40-50 mph are expected to hit the area starting late Friday morning and throughout the day.
Gordon said severe thunderstorms aren’t expected, but conditions would be apt for a twister system Friday if the sun were to come out during a period of strong wind, he said.
“It’s not out of the question that there could be an isolated tornado,” Gordon said.
Rush hour commutes will likely be impacted Friday. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays during morning and afternoon commutes and be mindful of the risk of hydroplaning, Gordon said. Minor flooding is likely in the Louisville area, and the possibility of flash flooding is on the table.
Will JCPS be closed Friday due to weather? What Southern Indiana schools are impacted?
Jefferson County Public Schools have yet to decide whether they will be closed Friday, district spokesperson Carolyn Callahan said.
Greater Clark County School buildings will be closed and classes will be held through e-learning, district officials said. Both Clarksville Community Schools and New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated Schools will be closed and classes are canceled, officials said.
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Hurricane Helene to bring heavy rain, win to Louisville on Friday
